Approximately 2,080 temporary winter shelter spaces are open or opening soon across B.C., including 70 temporary shelter spaces in Prince George, according to information released by the Ministry of Attorney General and Responsible for Housing
The temporary shelter spaces nearly double the number of available shelter spaces in the city, up to 151 total.
“BC Housing will continue to work with providers and municipalities to open additional shelter spaces in communities where there is need,” the ministry statement said. “It is expected that more (extreme weather response) shelter spaces will open as additional locations are identified by communities.”
AWAC Women’s Shelter, located at 144 George St., has 30 permanent, year-round spaces and 10 temporary winter spaces.
The Prince George Native Friendship Centre’s Ketso Yoh Centre Men’s Hostel, located at 140 Quebec St., has 21 permanent spaces and 15 temporary spaces.
Prince George Native Friendship Centre also operates the Second Avenue Shelter, located at 1151 Second Ave., which is a 30-space temporary winter shelter.
Bridget Moran Place, located at 590 Dominion St., has 30 permanent spaces and 15 temporary winter spaces.
Temporary winter shelters typically close on March 31 each year. A list of shelter operators, with contact information, is available on the BC Housing website.
